Groundskeeper

Dominican-University-of-California; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Dominican University of California is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain campus grounds, landscapes, athletic fields, and outdoor spaces. The role involves operating grounds equipment, performing routine landscape tasks, and supporting safe, attractive campus environments.

The position requires 2+ years of equipment experience, ability to work outdoors in varying conditions, and a valid driver's license. Open until filled with opportunities to assist IPM programs and special events.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience operating and maintaining landscape and grounds maintenance equipment safely.
• Ability to understand and communicate basic work instructions in English.
• Must be able to lift 60 pounds and operate backpack equipment up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain hand tools, power equipment, and grounds vehicles for landscape tasks.
• Prune trees and shrubs, mow, weed, and perform general landscape maintenance.
• Maintain turf via fertilization, aeration, seeding, sodding, and top-dressing; care for synthetic turf fields.

Skills

Groundskeeping experience

Equipment operation

English communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Lawn mowing equipment

Pruning tools

Irrigation systems

Job description

Under the direction of the Grounds Manager, the Groundskeeper helps maintain the University's grounds, landscapes, athletic fields, and outdoor spaces. The position supports a safe, attractive, and well-maintained campus environment through the operation of grounds equipment, landscape maintenance practices, and general site upkeep.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Operate and maintain hand tools, power equipment, and grounds maintenance vehicles to perform a broad range of landscape and groundskeeping activities, including:Pruning trees and shrubs, mowing, planting, weeding, and general landscape maintenance.Maintaining natural turf through fertilization, aeration, verticutting, seeding, sodding, top-dressing, and related practices.Maintaining synthetic turf fields through grooming, debris removal, and minor repairs.Inspect, maintain, and repair campus stormwater drainage systems.Install, operate, maintain, and repair irrigation systems and components.Maintain and repair fences, gates, and related site infrastructure.Work safely from ladders and elevated positions up to 30 feet.Assist with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, including the safe and appropriate use of pesticides and related equipment as directed. Maintain grounds maintenance tools, irrigation equipment, and pesticide application equipment in a clean, safe, and organized condition.Perform routine inspection, cleaning, fueling, and basic preventive maintenance of grounds vehicles and equipment to promote safe operation and maximize service life.Apply a working knowledge of landscape materials and vegetation, including identification of common plants, turf species, and weeds.Perform assigned duties safely in varying weather conditions and outdoor environments.Participate in emergency response activities and support special events, which may require occasional work outside of regular business hours.Perform other duties as assigned.Required Qualifications:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the position. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.High school diploma or equivalent (GED).Minimum of two years of experience operating and maintaining landscape and grounds maintenance equipment safely and effectively.Ability to understand, follow, and communicate basic work instructions in English.Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record, maintained throughout employment.Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 60 pounds and safely operate backpack equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain.Additional Position Information:Open until filledMust be willing to consent to a background checkAbout the UniversityDominican University of California is committed to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. The University values diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applications from candidates who share these commitments.Dominican University of California is an independent, international, learner-centered university, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. Dominican has a 1:10 teacher-to-student ratio, an average class size of 16, with a small-town feeling in a park- like campus. We blend interdisciplinary core courses, real-world studies, and small classes with close and supportive academic advising and mentoring.Dominican University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to excellence through diversity, and takes pride in its multicultural environment. We are committed in thought, word, and deed to recruiting and retaining a workforce that values the diversity of its student body. The University actively promotes an institutional culture that practices equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of all under-represented groups in higher education.Dominican University of California participates in E-Verify, an online system used to verify the employment eligibility of all new hires in accordance with federal law.